With most of the talk in Columbus centered on Rick Nash, the Blue Jackets' other available players might not garner all the headlines.

According to ESPN.com, the Washington Capitals have inquired about Blue Jackets forward Antoine Vermette, among other players, but have yet to determine if they'll be active or not before the Feb. 27 trade deadline.

The determining factor in their decision will come from the condition of star center Nicklas Backstrom, who remains sidelined with a concussion he suffered on Jan. 3 in a game against the Calgary Flames.

The 24-year-old recently started off-ice workouts, which could be an encouraging step in his recovery process.

Capitals GM George McPhee is expected to wait and see how he is feeling closer to the deadline before deciding whether or not he'll make a move.

Blue Jackets center Sammy Pahlsson is also attracting a lot of interest, and is expected to be traded prior to the deadline.

Pahlsson is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent July 1, while Vermette has three more years left on his contract beyond this season.